With Launch Control to your own start-up: in conversation with Loris Heller

Dear Loris, first of all, congratulations on having your project accepted for the Launch Control programme “Bring your Idea to Life” – it’s fantastic that you are taking this bold step! What motivated you to take this path towards starting your own business?

I have always been drawn to not only thinking up my own ideas, but also putting them into practice—with everything that entails. The prospect of self-fulfilment, the opportunity to create something of my own and to grow beyond myself in the process, was decisive for me.

I did not just want to be part of a system, but to help shape something with substance that offers real added value.

What is your business idea – and what exactly do you want to change or improve with it?

My business idea is a functional ready-to-drink boost: a beverage that sharpens focus without sugar, artificial stimulants, or empty promises. The formula is based on high-quality, evidence-based ingredients that promote mental clarity and sustained energy.

But that is only the beginning: my aim is to develop a holistic lifestyle that helps people to realise their full potential – in everyday life, in sport, and during sleep. With follow-up products focused on regeneration, fitness, and cognitive performance, a product range is being created that is not only “not harmful”, but actively beneficial. In doing so, I hope to shape a new understanding of health: to be high-performing without compromising on wellbeing.

What, in your view, makes your idea special or different from existing solutions?

What makes my idea unique is its holistic approach: instead of relying on short-term stimulation like conventional energy drinks, my product uses scientifically proven, synergistic active ingredients that have a lasting effect. It contains no sugar, artificial flavours, or aggressive push effects.

In addition, there is a consistent clean-label commitment, combined with modern, appealing lifestyle branding. It is not just about a drink, but about a movement: moving away from harmful consumption towards smarter, more purposeful self-optimisation. While many brands focus on either taste, effect, or image, I bring all three elements into harmony. With a clear vision, uncompromising quality, and a long-term commitment to health.

Studies, work and start-up – how do you manage to balance it all?

For me, balancing studies, work and a start-up above all means setting clear priorities, planning with discipline and following through – even when motivation is lacking. I (usually) work in a structured way, make effective use of my free moments and try to minimise distractions as much as possible. Of course, this is not always possible without compromise. Sometimes sleep suffers, sometimes leisure time has to take a back seat. But it is a conscious decision. I am investing now because I believe in what I want to build.

What opportunities do you see arising from the Launch Control programme?

The Launch Control programme offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to realise their idea with a structured approach. While success is not guaranteed, the programme provides a solid foundation to help achieve it.

What does the support of HWZ mean to you on your entrepreneurial journey?

It gives me the sense that you are not alone in putting things into practice, but can rely on a network that supports you with your ideas.

To what extent does your degree programme influence your start-up idea or your entrepreneurial thinking?

The degree programme is certainly having a positive impact on my start-up idea. It provides me with the essential foundations—such as legal aspects and entrepreneurial thinking—so that I do not get stuck in my project. If you want to start a business, you are faced with numerous questions and challenges that you are largely spared from as an employee.

The HWZ degree programme has, in many respects, set the direction of my compass correctly, thanks to its solid foundations.

Why should more (young) people take the step towards self-employment or founding a start-up?

Because founding a business is more than just a career path. It is a school for life. Young people should take this step, as it teaches them to take responsibility, make decisions, and cope with uncertainty. They grow through their ideas, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience.

In addition, self-employment offers the opportunity to bring about real change, rather than simply operating within existing structures. Those who start their own business play an active role in shaping the future. Young people in particular contribute the freshness, courage and perspectives needed to rethink and improve the way things are done.

What are the next steps on your journey with the start-up?

The next steps are clearly defined: first, I will establish my company, “The Clean Boost GmbH”, in order to create the legal and structural foundation.

At the same time, I am working on the minimum viable product (MVP) – an initial market-ready version of the drink, which will be tested and further developed. The aim is to gather genuine customer feedback as quickly as possible in order to achieve product-market fit. The focus is not on perfection, but on rapid learning and targeted iteration. Every step is geared towards developing a product that not only works, but also excites.